Advice Fluoxetine and Propranolol

[Smudger0122]

Good Evening

Today I visited my GP to discuss my mental health, as I hit the wall in june this year.

After a year of health concerns and the starting of setraline for only 3 days back in june I had Suicidal and intrusive thoughts. So I stopped this medication.

That year I suffered a Diagnosis of a brain tumour in 2021, fully removed via craniatomy. But left with Diplopia (double vision) from surgery.

During my tumour discovery, I was also diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia blood cancer.

Still trying to carry on daily as normal, a father and husband.

6 months on and suffering with Anxiety and still disbelief of intrusive thoughts, which ruminate I am suffering with depression.

My GP has issued me with Fluoxetine for depression, and Propranolol for anxiety.

Before taking this tonight I researched drug interaction, and got this result:

It appears not a good mix.

Scared to start together as now its Christmas weekend and no GP to ask.

It appears fluoxetine alone is good to help depression and anxiety, where i was given propranolol for the anxiety.

Am thinking of not starting together due to interaction, also not starting fluoxetine until after xmas due to possible side effects.

Any advice be great

Thanks

Smudger

[Agora1]

Hi Smudger, I totally understand your concern. I normally don't look at the inserts

but in your case with all you have been through, I think it was very wise. Is it possible

to call your pharmacist regarding the interactions of the meds?? If not or you don't

feel comfortable enough until you can speak with your doctor, then I personally would

have made the same choice in starting one medication at a time. (especially with the

holiday weekend upon us)

Stay safe is always Priority 1. Keep us updated please. We care xx

[Barbiebreath]

I had a positive experience with fluoxetine for depression. It worked very well for me. I have suffered most of my life with some form depression and I’ve had a few different prescriptions. Fluoxetine was actually my favorite. It did make me gain weight so I no longer take it. The side effects I remember were mild. Dry mouth, some tummy upset but they went away with time. Sending you hugs.

[Smudger0122 in reply to Barbiebreath]

Thanks Barbie

[SayNOtoPanic]

I think you’re smart in waiting until after the holiday weekend. But also give the pharmacist a call. Often times they’re very on top of that and may not have vendored both to you together when you filled the prescription. But double check with pharmacy too. Would you say your depression is worse or the anxiety? cause you can consider discussing with GP starting the prop first to see how it works with you. Or vice versa. So u know if either med disagrees with u. Good luck with them and prayers up.

[Smudger0122 in reply to SayNOtoPanic]

Thank you, my doctor recommended propranolol taken 3 times a day?Which I thought was high.

Unfortunately now xmas weekend I cannot contact my GP.

I personally feel more comfortable just trying fluoxetine only, seeing this does help anxiety and depression.

I'm reluctant to start fluoxetine now, as I don't want any side effects over xmas.

Seeing setraline side effect started on 3rd day, unless it was just coincidental.

Smudger

[SayNOtoPanic in reply to Smudger0122]

I think you’re on the right track! Sounds like a good idea. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you.

[Dell12345]

Hi Smudged, it sounds like you have been through a lot, well done for keeping going.Fluoxetone is an SSRI, a medication which needs to be taken every day, and takes a few weeks to take effect. It should help with depression and anxiety, particularly the mental effects of anxiety.

Propanalol can be taken as as when required, and takes half an hour to an hour to work. It's good for the physical effects of anxiety such as tremors, fast heart beat etc.

I've taken propanalol alongside venlafaxine (another antidepressant, with the same interaction listed) and had no problems.

You could start with the fluoxetine, and after your body has got used to it, maybe after a week (at this point any initial side effects from taking it should have gone, but it will still take a couple of weeks at least to start making the anxiety better), then try a low dose of propanalol (10mg?)

Hope this helps xx

[Smudger0122 in reply to Dell12345]

Morning DellThank you, my doctor recommended propranolol taken 3 times a day?

Which I thought was high.

Unfortunately now xmas weekend I cannot contact my GP.

I personally feel more comfortable just trying fluoxetine only, seeing this does help anxiety and depression.

I'm reluctant to start fluoxetine now, as I don't want any side effects over xmas.

Seeing setraline side effect started on 3rd day, unless it was just coincidental.

Smudger

[Dell12345]

Waiting until after Christmas sounds like a good plan.I know propanalol can be very helpful.

Let me know how you get on x

[Smudger0122]

My only worry, which feeds anxiety is the 2 interact?

I may start the fluoxetine first, as my mood is what frustrates me.

Remaining positive, is hard when your feeling negative.

Now my wife is unwell, and we maybe cancelling Christmas day.

Who have I upset in a former life?

[Frankie24]

check with your pharmacist. I took Prozac along with propranolol. The Prozac worked great fo my depression and the Propranolol excellent for my anxiety. It may just be a minor interaction or you may have no problem at all. If the Prozac potentiates the affect of propanol maybe the dose has been adjusted for this . You really need to check with your pharmacist. I don’t know what you consider a high dose as I took 80 mg. ER of propanolol once a day and 40 mg. of Prozac.

[Smudger0122 in reply to Frankie24]

Hi Frankie

Thank you, will discuss with GP after xmas.

I gone 6 months so far, battling on. Couple more nights won't hurt.

Have a happy Christmas

[Frankie24 in reply to Smudger0122]

I hope you get things sorted out soon so you can feel better. I hope your Holidays are blessed and beautiful 🎄

[bethelbee]

Back in the late 80's I was first put on meds. My doctor first put me on Nardil( an MAO inhibitor)which didn't work very well plus had strict diet restrictions. I was going to a support group where many were talking about Prozac which had just come out. He finally switched me and it was the best move! I had no side effects and felt like a whole new person. For me it worked for about 10 years. It helped some with my anxiety but I also was on xanax prn to help. I agree with others about calling the pharmacist before starting both meds together. Most people don't have a problem with Prozac(Fluoxetine). Hope all works out well for you!!

[Smudger0122 in reply to bethelbee]

Thanks bethelbee.

Im pleased I haven't started it, my wife has just tested positive for Covid.

Christmas plans in the air now.

I'm in no position for trying at the moment.

Will give it few days.

Thank you

[bethelbee in reply to Smudger0122]

Hope your wife is ok and you are able to find some way of celebrating Christmas!!